Get ready to learn more about the book Diving Into Her in this discussion with sapphic author Alyson Root.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Alyson Root about Diving Into Her, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Addiction category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Diving Into Her?
The entire French Connection series is a mashup of personal experiences. Diving Into Her represented the changes I’d gone through. At the time of the book’s conception, I was discovering new things about myself while reconciling with some old trauma. Scuba diving played a large roll in me, pushing my own boundaries. I wanted to write a love story that went beyond the relationship of the main characters. I wanted to acknowledge that everyone has things in their lives that make them better and worse. And that sometimes we have to trawl through some uncomfortable truths to get to a better place withing ourselves.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
It’s tough to choose. Both main characters have elements I can identify with. More so with Hélène, if I’m completely honest. Learning to open up to someone after constantly being let down is no simple thing. However, I’m more envious of Kim. I’d love to have her charisma and confidence.
What inspired the idea for Diving Into Her?
Diving Into Her was inspired by my love of the ocean, scuba diving and the belief that everyone can grow. That’s what the book is essentially about. Looking inward and learning how to evolve for ourselves.
What part of Diving Into Her was the most fun to write?
The scuba diving. Hands down. Reliving all my dives to take inspiration was fantastic.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The title is a play on words. The story is about two people taking that change and diving in to each other, and life experiences. Plus the literal diving involved.
How much research did you need to do for Diving Into Her?
I did plenty of research. Thankfully, I had hands on experience where the scuba diving was concerned, so that was simple to write. The fun part came when I researched Corsica and all the excellent dive spots. It was even more exciting because I planned to visit the island after the book was released. I got to dive over the same aread Hélène and Kim would have. The sunken bomber was exceptional.
What is your writing process like?
I’m a mix of the two. I start as a pantser, but usually around the halfway mark, I need to at least plot each chapter’s theme. I can do some planning, but I always go off course. That’s part of the fun, though. I never quite know what’s going to get written until it’s on the page.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I have a dedicated writing office where I try to get most of my book written. However, I also have a laptop for the times I need to be somewhere a little less formal. My office can sometimes become a distraction, as it’s where I also work on marketing and a podcast. It doesn’t take a lot for my mind to wander to other things I need to do. Sitting by the fire with some music on in the background is my favourite place and way to write.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Chocolate Digestives. I’m a biscuit fiend for sure. When I write I have to have a good cup of tea and chocolate digestives to dunk.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
Usually with a stiff drink. By the time I write The End, I’m usually mentally exhausted. I’ll have a rum and coke followed by a nice meal with my wife.
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
I have a chair bum wiggle. Is that a quirk or just weird? It happens when I finally figure out a part of the story I was struggling with. It’s a little celebratory dance, I guess. But in my chair.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
I have two English Cocker Spaniels who help. Sort of. Actually, they spend most of their time asleep until they want feeding and then trample of me and my laptop to bully me. Both dogs have featured in my writing. They calm me, and sometimes that is what I need. Working from home can be lonely, but not so much with those two around. Mao is my eldest and the MC in The Wisdom of Bug. He really is a character. Stubborn, entitled, and has the best puppy dog eyes you’ve ever seen. He’s the king of the castle and he knows it. I couldn’t list all his little quirks. It would take too long. Suffice to say he is brilliant. Reggie is four years old and the polar opposite to Mao. I’m sure he’s powered by nuclear energy. The boy never stops. Where Mao is calm and sedate, Reggie is a rocket. Never stops, always has to be moving unless he can sleep in the middle of me and my wife. Together they make my life fun and certainly help me write by making my day brighter.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
My wife and close friends are my biggest help. Impostor syndrome and unrealistic expectations I put on myself are my biggest hindrance.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
Immersion. It’s the only way I can write those scenes. I have to become the character as I write.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
I try to put myself in their shoes. Some charatcers are easier than others.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
One hundred percent! To write those kinds of scenes, I have to tap into the emotional state of the character. I’m already an emotional person, so it really doesn’t take much to tip me over the edge. Just the thought of a person crying can set me off.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
I don’t feel bad at all, especially if the story calls for that kind or thing. For me, it’s more realistic to have my characters go through some tough times. That’s life, right? I hope by doing that, readers can relate better to the story and the characters.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I think I fall a little bit in love with all my characters. I think my favourite to date is one the world hasn’t been introduced to yet. Actually, there are two in that book. Carmen and Enid. All will become clear in May.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I read sapphic fiction. I enjoy a myriad of tropes and sun genres. I am a bookworm and read hundreds of books a year. Romance will always be my favourite because I love love and am a big sap at heart.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
The first sapphic books I read were by Georgia Beers and Melissa Brayden. I fell in love with their work. Their books led me to the growing world of sapphic literature. All the authors I read inspire me to write.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. I will always revisit a book that makes me laugh the way that one does.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
Curled up on the sofa in front of my wood fire. It’s perfection.
